What does 'released' mean in the context of aircraft operation?

In the context of aircraft operation, 'released' specifically refers to when a crewmember is officially relieved from duty. This terminology indicates that the individual has completed their assigned tasks and is no longer responsible for the operations or responsibilities associated with their position, at least temporarily. It is a formal acknowledgment that this crewmember can now step away from their role, allowing for changes in personnel or shifts to occur as required by the flight schedule or operational needs.

The other options present scenarios that do not align with the technical definition of 'released.' For instance, while a flight cancellation does involve operational decisions, it does not pertain to the relieving of crew responsibilities. Similarly, giving crew members additional responsibilities suggests an extension of their duties rather than a relief from them. Lastly, the phrase 'cleared for takeoff' pertains to the aircraft's operational status rather than the crew's duty status. Each of these choices highlights different aspects of flight operations but does not accurately capture the meaning of 'released' within a crew context.